Bond Wardrobe Must Haves (seeking advice)
AgentCJ19
Posts: 52MI6 Agent
Extremely sorry if this isn't the right forum, or this isn't allowed
But.. I'm doing a spot of shopping on Monday in London for some new clothes and wondering what some of the Bond Must Have Staples are that i could pick up
I've only really started taking a sartorial cue from Bond more recently (although my wedding suit was made by the same Tailor who made the OHMSS wedding suit)
I have a good range of Riviera Polos and the R&B Henley and a lovely knitted shawl cardi - what other smart casual things should I be picking up whilst in town (doesn't have to be screen accurate)
Comments
Can’t go wrong with an rgt jacket
Also a navy Harrington is a must have, doesn’t really matter on the brand as long as it’s quality, maybe a Baracuta.
What’s the background regards your OHMSS wedding suit? Who was the tailor?
I had it made at Major Tailors in Fulham by the son of Dimi Major who tailored the suits for OHMSS - we had a few changes made to make it a tad more modern (nothing major) whilst keeping the look and feel of the one worn by Lazenby (grey trousers and waistcoat with the midnight blue jacket)
my way of having a Bond fandom be a subtle part of the big day
I was thinking of a Navy Harrington, can't see anywhere in London selling Baracuta - has anyone got any experience of the Olebar Brown Octopussy Harrington?
I have the OB Octopussy Harrington. I got it during the Mr Porter clearance a year ago. It's really not worth the price OB charges for it. At a deep discount the price is closer to what it should be.
It's a very light weight jacket which I like. The styling is fine. The very small collar hook is impractical. I haven't worn it out. Too many jackets and not enough safe places to go in these times.
If you're also looking for shoes then a pair of brown suede chukka boots might be a possibility to go with your Riviera polos.
I would go for the Royale Harrington which is awesome. I own a navy Baractua one and i think the Royale one is definitely more sleek and Bond.
Others on this forum hate matchless as they feel it ripped off JV and they dont like the badge but i own several of the Craig Blouson in wet navy and black nappa leather and also suede (natural and navy). I have worn the navy suede version and it looks awesome.
I am also a fan of the Tom Ford Polo from spectre and have several colours but i also like the styling so much i have bought alternatives - John Smedley Noah in Navy is really nice or Orlebar brown Mallorry or whatever their new equivalent to that model is as i think its been discontinued. Magnoli one in navy I've worn and got compliments each time, more so than wearing the real one!!
I have the OB harrington as well and have worn it....nice but as mentioned above total rip off for the price so also glad i got it on clearance as its just a cotton jacket.
In terms of Chukka boots i got the dark brown John White Westbury - amazing quality and stylish...even got them for my dad. also own the Sanders Chukka in Brown and Black but have only ever worn the black ones.
TF ties - got loads and never worn as no one wears ties any more in office!
The chukkas are half price now....
https://johnwhiteshoes.com/shop/boots/chukka-boots/westfield-mens-brown-suede-chukka-boots/
ah yes I forgot that, I do have the Churches already
the OB octopussy harrington is £199 at the moment (so almost half price) thoughts on it at that much?
Don't forget sunglasses!
Yes I went for the same look at my wedding, though the Major link would have been cool, I just sourced look-a-likes.
I got mine for around $230. Still a little overpriced at that price point. Really up to whether you really like the details. £199 isn't bad. If returns still allowed go for it and see if you will be happy with it.
I would suggest the N.Peal OHMSS cashmere mock turtle neck. I got one for Christmas and it looks really good. Lots of admiring comments etc. I find the OB stuff vastly overpriced for stuff that is basically TM Lewin/ Hawes and Curtis quality.
If you can find it at a decent price, the Barbour Beacon jacket is very versatile and solid construction. I get lots of wear out of mine. The T&A Dr NO shirt is also well made but not cheap. I've had one for five years and it's still on active duty. Goes well with a shawl cardigan.
I picked up the OB jacket in last January’s Mr Porter sale for £148, completely underwhelmed by it even at that price, I never wore it and ended up selling it on eBay a few months later for £100.
Would definitely add a long sleeve polo to your collection.
Also a dark blue polo neck/roll neck/turtle neck (depending where you live) for the LALD vibe.
A navy blue round neck cable knit sweater for the GE look. On of my staples for the winter
thanks guys, I'll be keeping an eye out for a harrington (anyone any experience with the Barbour Steve McQueen Harrington?)
I've been looking at more jumpers/sweaters it's something I don't have much of, I was actually considering an Arthur Beale sweater, I know it's not Bond but a 400 year old British brand that makes naval sweaters seems like something that could/would be Bond (although I'm sure a slimmer moidern take on it made by Tom Ford no doubt) https://arthurbeale.co.uk/products/arthur-beale-beerenberg-pullover
I'll pop in to their store to look at it anyway but most replies here have me thinking it's one to avoid buying
Keen to see what you pick up!
I'll probably end up coming back with nothing 😂
disappointingly this was somewhat accurate in the end! I enjoyed the suggestions, advice and convo so thanks! But London shopping disappointed me, whether I had too lofty expectations or because most stores carried a tiny portion of what they offer online (or more likely a combo of both) I didn't come away with any Bond items.
I did get a nice suede trucker jacket and a pair of suede loafers though and had a nice dinner with my wife and mother afterwards so not a bad afternoon